speculation

noun

spec·​u·​la·​tion ˌspe-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce speculation (audio)
Synonyms of speculation
: an act or instance of speculating: such as
a
: assumption of unusual business risk in hopes of obtaining commensurate gain
b
: a transaction involving such speculation

Examples of speculation in a Sentence

He dismissed their theories as mere speculation. The book is just a lot of idle speculation about the future. Her speculations leave many questions unanswered. He lost everything in foolish land speculation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Trump’s physician and administration officials have regularly defended his vitality amid ongoing speculation about his health. Brooke Migdon, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026 Writing about Monroe’s reading habits demands a lot of speculation on the part of Crowther, who’s written engaging books on Dorothy Parker, Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton. Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2026 Buying a home in Spain has become unaffordable for many, with market pressures and speculation driving up prices, especially in big cities and coastal areas. ABC News, 24 May 2026 But this is still entirely speculation. Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 24 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for speculation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of speculation was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Speculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speculation. Accessed 27 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

speculation

noun
spec·​u·​la·​tion ˌspek-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce speculation (audio)
1
: thoughts or guesses about something
much speculation about who the new teacher would be
2
: the taking of a big risk in business in hopes of making a big profit

Legal Definition

speculation

noun
spec·​u·​la·​tion ˌspe-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce speculation (audio)
: an act or instance of speculating: as
a
: assumption of unusual business risk in hopes of obtaining commensurate gain
b
: a transaction involving such speculation

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